The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape has elected new leadership at a three-day conference held at Houw Hoek, Grabouw.
The newly elected committee will lead the association for the next four years. The conference, which began on Tuesday 7 April, was expected to end today, Thursday 9 April.
Santaco’s provincial public relations officer, Makhosandile Tumana, said the new leadership was fully aware of the responsibility entrusted to them.
“Leading the council is not child’s play,” he said.
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Santaco Western Cape new leadership prioritises unity in taxi industry
Tumana emphasised that its primary objective is to unite all taxi associations across the province.
“Our first priority is to instil peace within our associations. We want our members to stop the violence, because taxi-related conflicts do not only affect commuters, but also families. There are families who have lost fathers due to all this violence.”
He added that the leadership planned to engage with representatives from all eight regions in the province to map a way forward.
Taxi disputes between Codeta and Cata remain a concern
Tumana acknowledged ongoing tensions between the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata), noting these disputes remained a major concern.
He said the association was committed to working with government to resolve differences for the benefit of commuters and the taxi industry.
Tumana also pointed out that many violent incidents are often driven by individuals rather than the organisations themselves.
“We cannot ignore the challenges within the industry, where lives are sometimes lost. However, in most cases, these incidents are not directed by associations but involve individuals, often fighting over routes or other issues. That is why restoring peace in the industry is critical.”
Strict action planned against unsafe and intoxicated drivers
He further said Santaco would strengthen the monitoring of taxi drivers.
“We will ensure that all taxis are roadworthy and that no driver operates under the influence of alcohol. Those found guilty will face penalties, suspension or even expulsion, and may be barred from working within any taxi association.”
The newly elected executive committee includes Besuthu Ndungane (Chairperson), Nkululeko Sityebi (First Deputy Chairperson), Nazeem Abduraman (Second Deputy Chairperson), Nyanisile Siyona (Secretary), Denzel Ferguson (Treasurer), Sicelukwanda Mdunana (Deputy Treasurer), Nadeem Masalisa (Training Officer), Makhosandile Tumana (Public Relations Officer)
Linda Roman (Secretary for Members’ Affairs).
